Removing OneDrive from Windows 11 is a multi-step process that involves unlinking your account, uninstalling the app, and removing any leftover files. By carefully following the steps below, you can completely get rid of OneDrive from your system.
How to Completely Remove OneDrive from Windows 11
By following these steps, you will unlink OneDrive from your account, uninstall the software, and delete any remaining files to ensure OneDrive is fully removed from your Windows 11 PC.
Step 1: Unlink Your OneDrive Account
Open the OneDrive app from the system tray, go to Settings, and click on “Unlink this PC.”
Unlinking your account ensures that OneDrive stops syncing files to your computer. This step is essential for preventing further data backups.
Step 2: Uninstall OneDrive
Open the Settings app, navigate to “Apps,” and find OneDrive in the list. Click on it and select “Uninstall.”
By uninstalling the app, you remove the OneDrive software itself. This stops the program from running on your PC but does not delete any residual files.
Step 3: Delete OneDrive Folder
Navigate to your User folder (usually C:Users[YourUsername]), find the OneDrive folder, and delete it.
Deleting this folder gets rid of any synced data that was saved locally on your machine. Make sure to move any important files elsewhere before doing this.
Step 4: Remove OneDrive Leftover Files
Open File Explorer, go to C:Program Files, and delete the OneDrive folder if it’s still there.
Sometimes, the uninstall process leaves behind residual files. Deleting these ensures that no traces of the app remain on your system.
Step 5: Remove OneDrive from the Registry
Open the Registry Editor by typing “regedit” in the search bar, navigate to HKEY_CURRENT_USERSoftwareMicrosoftOneDrive, and delete the OneDrive folder.
Removing OneDrive from the registry ensures that no software settings or configurations are left behind. Be cautious while editing the registry, as incorrect changes can cause system issues.
Once you’ve completed these steps, OneDrive will be fully removed from your Windows 11 system. You won’t see any traces of it on your computer, and it won’t interfere with any of your files or settings.
Tips for Removing OneDrive from Windows 11
- Make a backup of your important files before starting the removal process.
- Ensure you have administrative privileges on your computer.
- Follow each step carefully to avoid accidentally skipping any critical steps.
- If you’re unsure about removing the registry entries, consider creating a restore point first.
- After removal, check for any updates or patches that might reinstall OneDrive, and disable them if necessary.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I reinstall OneDrive after removing it?
Yes, you can easily reinstall OneDrive from the Microsoft Store or the OneDrive website if you change your mind later.
Will removing OneDrive affect my Microsoft account?
No, removing OneDrive will not affect your Microsoft account. You will still be able to use other Microsoft services like Outlook and Office.
Do I need to remove OneDrive if I don’t use it?
No, you don’t have to remove OneDrive if you don’t use it. You can simply disable it or ignore it.
What happens to my files if I uninstall OneDrive?
Your files will remain in the cloud if they were synced. Locally, you should move any important files before uninstalling.
Is it safe to edit the registry during this process?
Yes, but be very careful. Incorrect changes to the registry can cause system problems. Always back up the registry before making changes.
Summary
- Unlink your OneDrive account.
- Uninstall OneDrive.
- Delete the OneDrive folder.
- Remove OneDrive leftover files.
- Remove OneDrive from the registry.
Conclusion
Removing OneDrive from Windows 11 might seem like a daunting task, but it’s manageable if you follow the steps outlined above. You start by unlinking your account to stop any syncing, then uninstall the app, and finally, clean up any leftover files and registry entries. This ensures that OneDrive is completely gone from your system.
Remember, this process is reversible. If you ever find yourself needing OneDrive again, you can reinstall it with ease. Also, before you dive into the registry, ensure you back up your system to avoid any potential issues.
For those who prefer a clutter-free system without unused apps, removing OneDrive can streamline your workflow. However, always weigh the benefits against the potential need for cloud storage options in the future. If you have any questions or run into issues, plenty of resources and forums are available to help. Happy computing!
Matthew Burleigh has been writing tech tutorials since 2008. His writing has appeared on dozens of different websites and been read over 50 million times.
After receiving his Bachelor’s and Master’s degrees in Computer Science he spent several years working in IT management for small businesses. However, he now works full time writing content online and creating websites.
His main writing topics include iPhones, Microsoft Office, Google Apps, Android, and Photoshop, but he has also written about many other tech topics as well.